Computer Peripheral Overlay

ABSTRACT

An overlay for a video game controller including a plurality of acuatable input modules configured to communicate with and transfer information between one or more corresponding input modules incorporated into the video game controller. A user controls the actions of an element in a video gaming environment via manipulation of respective overlay input modules.

BACKGROUND

A video gaming platform, such as a console platform, is typicallyprovided with a primary game controller that enables a user to interfacewith and control an element in a video game environment. The primarycontroller is generally configured having a characteristic shape suchthat the user can interface with a variety of different video gameenvironments. Video game environments evolve so that investment in aspecialized game controller may be required for a given gameenvironment.

For example, a guitar playing simulation game environment typicallyrequires a guitar-shaped game controller as the game controller. Thereare many other game environments that require a specialized gamecontroller as well, such as for sporting game environments, shootinggame environments, and others. As such, a user is required to invest ina variety of different game controllers to interact with gameenvironment as desired.

Consequently, it is desirable to leverage a primary game controller suchthat a user can adapt to and interface with new and evolving video gameenvironments without requiring further substantial investment.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an overlay for a computing device peripheral includes amain body defining a plurality of openings, a plurality of actuableoverlay input modules positioned within the openings, and an engagementmechanism formed with each of the overlay input modules. The body of theoverlay is coupled to a portion of the computing device peripheral, andwherein a respective engagement mechanism is configured to actuate oneor more actuable computing device peripheral input modules upon anactuation of a respective overlay input module.

In another aspect, an overlay for a video game controller includes amain body defining a plurality of openings, a plurality of actuableoverlay input modules positioned in the openings, and an engagementmechanism formed with each of the overlay input modules. The overlay iscoupled to a portion of the game controller to form an overlayapparatus, and wherein a respective engagement mechanism is configuredto actuate one or more actuable video game controller input modules uponan actuation of a respective overlay input module.

In yet another aspect, an overlay apparatus for controlling an elementin a guitar simulation game environment includes an overlay having aplurality of actuable overlay input modules extending in a longitudinalaxis to simulate fret buttons of a guitar, and a video game controllerhaving a plurality of actuable controller input modules. The overlay iscoupled to a portion of the video game controller to form the overlayapparatus. An engagement mechanism formed with each of the plurality ofthe overlay input modules is configured to actuate one or morecontroller input modules upon an actuation of one or more of the overlayinput modules, the actuation of the overlay input modules simulatingdepression of fret buttons within the guitar simulation gameenvironment.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used in any way as to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the disclosure may be more completely understood inconsideration of the following detailed description of variousembodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computing system environment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded block view of the computing system environment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example overlay apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example video game controller;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the video game controller of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front of the example overlay apparatus of FIG. 3 with anattachment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a controller overlay of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the example controller overlay of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the controller overlayof FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure will now more fully describe exemplary embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodimentsare shown. Other aspects may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and the inclusion of specific embodiments in the disclosure shouldnot be construed as limiting such aspects to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, the embodiments depicted in the drawings are included toprovide a disclosure that is thorough and complete and which fullyconveys the intended scope to those skilled in the art. When referringto the figures, like structures and elements shown throughout areindicated with like reference numerals.

The present disclosure is directed to an overlay for a video gamecontroller. The overlay includes a plurality of actuable input modulesconfigured to communicate with and transfer information between one ormore corresponding input modules incorporated into the game controller.In this manner, a user is able to control the actions of an element oran entity in a video gaming environment via manipulation of respectiveoverlay input modules. In general, an overlay according to theprinciples of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with anytype or form of peripheral device configured to interact with acomputing device such that data and/or control signals are communicatedtherebetween.

The term “peripheral device” used herein refers to any device that iscoupled to a computing device such that a user may interface withcomputing device functionality. A peripheral device may include amonitor, a scanner, a camera, or a computing device such as a laptop, apersonal computer, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a mediaplayer, a video game platform, and others. Further, a peripheral devicemay include any type of video game controller such as a mouse, akeyboard, a gamepad, a joystick, a gun, or any other type of deviceconfigured to interface with a video game platform.

FIG. 1 shows an example computing environment 100 having featuresconsistent with the principles of the present disclosure. In one aspect,computing environment 100 includes a user 105, one or more peripheraldevices 110, a peripheral overlay 115, and one or more computing devices120. In general, a peripheral device 110 enables the user 105 tointerface with various computing device 120 functionalities. In exampleembodiments provided herein, a peripheral overlay 115 is coupled to aportion of a respective peripheral device 110 to form an overlayapparatus 125. In the described embodiments, the overlay apparatus 125enables the user 105 to optionally: a) directly interact with arespective peripheral device 110; and/or b) indirectly with a respectiveperipheral device 110 by virtue of the peripheral overlay 115.

In example embodiments, each computing device 120 includes a pluralityof input/output devices, a processing device (e.g. central processingunit), one or more computer readable media, and a communication device.Other embodiments of a computing device are possible as well. Computerreadable media refers to any medium that participates in providingelectronic data that may be accessed and read by a computing device.Computer readable media can include storage media such as non-volatileand volatile memory implemented in any method or technology for thestorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer readable media mayalso include communication media that typically embodies computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data ina modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. A communications device establishes a data connectionthat allows a computing device to communicate with one or more othercomputing devices via any number of standard or specializedcommunication technologies such as, for example, a universal serial bus(USB), 802.11 a/b/g network, radio frequency, infrared, serial, or anyother communication technology. In general, the communication betweenone or more computing devices is accomplished via a bidirectionalcommunication medium or path. In certain embodiments, the communicationmedium can be any of a number of wireless or hardwired WAN, LAN,Internet, or other packet-based communication networks.

In some examples herein, peripheral device 110 is a game controller, andcomputing device 120 is a game console. Peripheral overlay 115 interactswith the peripheral device 115 to modify the use thereof, as describedbelow. Other configurations of computing system environment 100 arepossible as well.

In one aspect, a bidirectional back-end communication path 130 iscreated between peripheral device 110 and computing device 120. Ingeneral, back-end communication path 130 enables the transfer ofinformation (such as data or control signals) between a compatiblyconfigured peripheral device 110 and computing device 120. In certainembodiments, back-end communication path 130 is created as one of anynumber of standard or specialized communication technologies.

Additionally, a bidirectional front-end communication path 135 iscreated between the user 105 and a respective peripheral device 110 toenable the direct transfer of information therebetween. In certainembodiments, front-end communication path 135 is created as one of anynumber of standard or specialized communication technologies.

Further, in example embodiments in which a peripheral overlay 115 andperipheral device 110 are coupled to form an overlay apparatus 125, abidirectional intermediate communication path 140 is realized betweenthe user 105 and respective peripheral device 110. In the describedembodiment, the intermediate communication path 140 enables the user 105to optionally transfer information to the respective peripheral device110 via an intermediate interaction with the peripheral overlay 115.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view 200 of the overlay apparatus125 as described with reference to FIG. 1 is depicted. In exampleembodiments, the peripheral overlay 115 and the peripheral device 110each respectively include a plurality of input modules 205. In general,an input module 205 embodies a mechanical and/or an electronic elementthat is configured to sense an input and subsequently generate andtransfer information embodied as a force, data, or a modulated signal,between respective elements of the example computing environment 100.

For example, in one embodiment, the transfer of information in adirection from the user 105 to the computing device 120 occurs by virtueof user 105 interaction with one or more respective input modules 205.In one example embodiment, a respective input module 205 formed with theperipheral overlay 115 can be actuated by the user 105 via intermediatecommunication path 140. In the described embodiment, the respectiveinput module 205 can include a mechanical actuator such as commandbutton, a binary switch or a rotary dial that can be physicallymanipulated by the user 105.

In other example embodiments, the respective input module 205 caninclude an electronic element such as a sensor that may be excited byacoustic or electromagnetic energy. In the described exampleembodiments, upon actuation of the respective input module 205 a controlsignal or a mechanical force can then be transferred via intermediatecommunication path 140 to one or more respective input modules 205formed with the peripheral device 110. In this manner, one or more inputmodules 205 formed with the peripheral device 110 are indirectlyactuated by the user 105.

Alternatively, the user 105 can directly actuate an input module 205 onthe peripheral device 110 via front-end communication path 135 in amanner consistent with the above description. Following actuation, theone or more respective input modules 205 on the peripheral device 110may generate and transfer information to the computing device 120 viaback-end communication path 130 for subsequent interpretation and/orprocessing.

In general, the transfer of information in a direction from thecomputing device 120 to the user 105 is enabled by the same mechanismsas described above, such as for example computing device 120 actuationof one or more input modules 205 on the peripheral device 110 viaback-end communication path 130. In example embodiments, computingdevice 120 actuation of one or more input modules 205 on the peripheraldevice 110 occurs in response to stimulus as provided by the user 105 oras required by various computing device 120 functionalities. In certainembodiments, information is directly transferred from the peripheraldevice 110 to the user 105 via front-end communication path 135. Inother example embodiments, information is indirectly transferred fromthe peripheral device 110 to the user 105 by way of peripheral overlay115 via intermediate communication path 140. In certain embodiments,actuation of one or more input modules 205 by the computing device 120corresponds to the generation and transmission of perceptible feedbackto the user 105, such as auditory, visual, and/or vibratory feedback.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-9, an example overlay apparatus 300 comprisingof a game controller 400 and a controller overlay 500 is shown accordingto the principles of the present disclosure. The controller overlay 500and game controller 400 embody the features and characteristics of theperipheral overlay 115 and peripheral device 110 of example computingenvironment 100 as described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In the example embodiment, the game controller 400 is a Wii Remote asprovided by NINTENDO® for use with a Wii video game console. The gamecontroller 400 is a handheld computing device that includes acommunication port 405 and a plurality of actuable input modulesincluding a power button 410, a D-pad 415, an “A” button 420, a “Home”button 425, a “−” button 430, and “+” button 435, a “1” button 445, anda “2” button 450. The game controller 400 also includes a slot 451formed in each of the sides of the game controller 400 to allow thecontroller overlay 500 to be coupled to the game controller 400, asdescribed below. The game controller 400 further includes a speakeraperture 440 to provide audio feedback to a user and a plurality of LEDapertures 455 that provide visual feedback to a user.

In certain embodiments, the game controller 400 includes a “rumble”feature to provide vibrational feedback to a user. The game controller400 further includes an adaptor port 460 to enable an attachment to becoupled to the game controller 400, such as a Nunchuck 465, and a safetywrist strip 470.

In the example embodiment, the controller overlay 500 is shaped to becomplementary to the shape of the game controller 400. In this manner,the controller overlay 500 can be coupled with and secured to a portionof the game controller 400, described in further detail below.

In general, the controller overlay 500 includes a plurality ofmechanically actuable input modules in which each respective inputmodule includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage with andactuate a corresponding input module of the game controller 400. In oneexample embodiment, a properly coupled controller overlay 500 enables auser to control actions in a guitar simulation game environment bymanipulating the input modules of the controller overlay 500.

In certain embodiments, the actuable input modules of the controlleroverlay 500 are mechanically actuable buttons including a plurality offret buttons 505, 510, 515, 520, a first control button 525, and asecond control button 530. In general, the fret buttons 505, 510, 515,520, and control buttons 525, 530 are embedded in the controller overlay500 and include a depressible section accessible from a top side 535 ofthe controller overlay 500 and an engagement mechanism extending from abottom side 540 of the controller overlay 500, described in furtherdetail below. Further, the controller overlay 500 includes aninformation relay aperture 545. In the example embodiment, theinformation relay aperture 545 is a transparent elliptical plasticaperture positioned adjacent to fret button 505 such that the pluralityof LED apertures 455 are visible to the user when the controller overlay500 is coupled to the game controller 400.

In one aspect, the depressible sections of the fret buttons 505, 510,515, 520 on the top side 535 of the controller overlay 500 areorientated in a single row and are elliptically shaped with a long axis,A, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, B, as defined with respect tothe game controller 400. In certain embodiments, the fret buttons 505,510, 515, 520 may be color coded to facilitate simplification of gameplay in the guitar simulation environment, as described above. Otherconfigurations and shapes of the fret buttons 505, 510, 515, 520 arepossible as well. Further, in certain embodiments, the depressiblesections of the first and second control buttons 525, 530 on the topside 535 of the controller overlay 500 are generally positioned betweenfret buttons 515 and 520. In certain embodiments, control buttons 525,530 are circular shaped. Other shapes and locations of control buttons525, 530 are possible as well.

As referred to above, each respective fret buttons 505, 510, 515, 520,and control buttons 525, 530 are mechanically depressible and include anengagement mechanism extending from the bottom side 540 of thecontroller overlay 500. In this manner, upon depression of therespective buttons 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, and 530 each respectiveengagement mechanism is enabled to physically engage with one or morecorresponding actuable input modules of the game controller 400.

For example, in certain embodiments, an engagement mechanism is embodiedas a first actuation surface 550 such that depression of fret button 505or fret button 520 by a user translates into a mechanical force suchthat a first actuation surface 550 physically interacts with and engagesa corresponding input module on the game controller 400. In thedescribed embodiment, depression of fret button 505 and fret button 520correspond to actuation of the “A” button 420, and the “2” button 450 ofthe game controller 400, respectively. Further, in certain embodiments,an engagement mechanism is embodied as a lever arm 555 having a secondactuation surface 560 such that depression of a respective fret button510 or 515 and a depression of respective control buttons 525, 530 by auser translates into a mechanical force such that the second actuationsurface 560 physically interacts with and depresses a correspondinginput module on the game controller 400.

In the described embodiment, depression of fret buttons 510, 515 andcontrol buttons 525 and 530 correspond to actuation of the “1” button445, the “−” button 430, and the “Home” button 425, and “+” button 435,respectively. In the described embodiments, the fret buttons 505, 510,515, 520, and the control buttons 525, 530 are configured to actuate oneor more controls on the game controller 400 when the game controller 400and the controller overlay 500 are coupled to form the overlay apparatus300.

In certain embodiments, the controller overlay 500 further includes acurved surface 565 such that the power button 410 and the D-pad 415 andare freely accessible to a user when the game controller 400 and thecontroller overlay 500 are coupled to form the overlay apparatus 300.Additionally, the controller overlay 500 is formed such that a pluralityof ergonomic surfaces 570 provides a comfortable hand gripping surfacefor a user. Further, in certain embodiments, the controller overlay 500is formed from a resilient plastic material such a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE).

In use, the controller overlay 500 is coupled to the game controller 400by orientating the curved surface 565 of the controller overlay 500towards a first end 475 of the game controller 400 in an orientationalong the longitudinal axis, A. In the described embodiment, a top side480 of the game controller 400 and the front side 535 of the controlleroverlay 500 are orientated in the same direction. Subsequently, thecontroller overlay 500 is moved towards the game controller 400 alongthe longitudinal axis A such that the top side 480 of the gamecontroller 400 engages with the bottom side 540 of the controlleroverlay 500. The controller overlay 500 is moved along longitudinal axisuntil the first end 475 of the game controller 400 interacts with a backportion 580 of the controller overlay 500.

In certain embodiments, the controller overlay 500 includes a lockingmechanism including a plurality of plastic tabs 585 formed on the bottomside 540 of the controller overlay 500 such that the controller overlay500 is secured to the game controller 400. For example, in oneembodiment, the plastic tabs 585 are received in slots 451 (see FIG. 5)of the game controller 400 as the controller overlay 500 is moved in thelongitudinal axis. The tabs 585 slide within the slots 451 until theback portion 580 of the controller overlay 500 contacts the first end475 of the game controller 400. In this position, the controller overlay500 is coupled to the game controller 400 for use.

In alternative designs, other types of locking mechanisms can be used.For examples, resilient tabs can be used on the overlay to snap intodetents formed on the controller. Other configurations are possible.

The preceding embodiments are intended to illustrate without limitationthe utility and scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in theart will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the truespirit and scope of the disclosure.

1. An overlay for a computing device peripheral, comprising: a main bodydefining a plurality of openings; a plurality of actuable overlay inputmodules positioned within the openings; and an engagement mechanismformed with each of the overlay input modules; wherein the body of theoverlay is coupled to a portion of the computing device peripheral, andwherein a respective engagement mechanism is configured to actuate oneor more actuable computing device peripheral input modules upon anactuation of a respective overlay input module.
 2. The overlay of claim1, wherein a locking mechanism secures the overlay to the computingdevice peripheral.
 3. The overlay of claim 1, wherein the computingdevice peripheral is a handheld video game controller.
 4. The overlay ofclaim 1, wherein one or more overlay input modules include amechanically actuable element.
 5. The overlay of claim 1, wherein one ormore computing device peripheral modules includes a mechanicallyactuable element.
 6. The overlay of claim 5, wherein the computingdevice peripheral communicates with a computing device via abidirectional communication medium.
 7. The overlay of claim 1, whereinthe computing device peripheral communicates with a computing device viaa bidirectional communication medium.
 8. An overlay for a video gamecontroller, comprising: a main body defining a plurality of openings; aplurality of actuable overlay input modules positioned in the openings;and an engagement mechanism formed with each of the overlay inputmodules; wherein the overlay is coupled to a portion of the gamecontroller to form an overlay apparatus, and wherein a respectiveengagement mechanism is configured to actuate one or more actuable videogame controller input modules upon an actuation of a respective overlayinput module.
 9. The overlay of claim 8, wherein a locking mechanismsecures the overlay to the computing device peripheral.
 10. The overlayof claim 8, wherein the overlay includes is a plurality of ergonomicsurfaces.
 11. The overlay of claim 8, wherein the video game controllercommunicates with a computing device via a bidirectional communicationmedium.
 12. The overlay of claim 8, wherein the overlay is used tointerface with a guitar simulation game environment.
 13. The overlay ofclaim 8, wherein the overlay further comprises an information relayaperture.
 14. The overlay of claim 8, wherein an engagement mechanismincludes a first actuation surface, and wherein an actuation of anoverlay input module translates into a mechanical force such that thefirst actuation surface actuates one or more video game controller inputmodules.
 15. The overlay of claim 8, wherein an engagements mechanismincludes a lever arm and a second actuation surface, and an actuation ofan overlay input module translates into a mechanical force such that thesecond actuation surface actuates one or more video game controllerinput modules.
 16. The overlay of claim 8, wherein the overlay furtherincludes a curved surface such that one or more input modules of thegame controller are accessible to a user.
 17. The overlay of claim 8,wherein the overlay is formed from a resilient plastic material.
 18. Anoverlay apparatus for controlling an element in a guitar simulation gameenvironment, the overlay comprising: an overlay having a plurality ofactuable overlay input modules extending in a longitudinal axis tosimulate fret buttons of a guitar; and a video game controller having aplurality of actuable controller input modules; wherein the overlay iscoupled to a portion of the video game controller to form the overlayapparatus; and wherein an engagement mechanism formed with each of theplurality of the overlay input modules is configured to actuate one ormore controller input modules upon an actuation of one or more of theoverlay input modules, the actuation of the overlay input modulessimulating depression of fret buttons within the guitar simulation gameenvironment.
 19. The overlay apparatus of claim 18, wherein a lockingmechanism secures the overlay to the computing device peripheral. 20.The overlay apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanismincludes tabs that mate with a corresponding structure on the computingdevice peripheral.